Collateral Registry becomes operational, making business financing more accessible

– moveable assets are now accepted as loan security

The Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Ministry on Wednesday announced the full operationalisation of Guyana’s Collateral Registry, a landmark development in advancing financial inclusion, transparency, and security within the country’s business environment.

The registry, established under the Security Interest in Movable Property Act, No. 20 of 2024, allows individuals and businesses to use movable property such as vehicles, equipment, inventory, consumer goods, farm products, petroleum or minerals, and receivables as collateral when seeking loans or credit.
According to the Ministry, the initiative was implemented in collaboration with the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, and the Commercial Registry to bring the Collateral Registry into full operation.
“With the system now active, banks, automotive dealers, retail suppliers, and other credit-based businesses can register their security instruments directly through the Collateral Registry, facilitating more efficient, transparent, and enforceable credit transactions across Guyana’s financial sector. This will simplify lending processes and ensure that financial institutions and borrowers operate within a clear and reliable legal framework,” a missive from the Ministry stated.
Subject Minister Susan Rodrigues stated that the establishment of the registry marks another important milestone in the Government’s agenda to create a more inclusive, efficient, and modern financial system.
She emphasised that the initiative forms part of the Government of Guyana’s broader efforts to improve access to credit, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), women entrepreneurs, and vulnerable groups by expanding the range of assets that can be used to secure financing.
Rodrigues also highlighted that this achievement represents a major milestone in the Government’s digital transformation agenda within the financial sector, reflecting its commitment to modernising systems, enhancing efficiency, and promoting greater accessibility to financial services across Guyana.
As such, Rodrigues expresses her appreciation to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for its financial and technical support in funding this important initiative and to consultants IOS Partners and Dr Tom Johnson for their outstanding technical assistance and collaboration in its successful implementation.
Several other individuals were also thanked for their invaluable partnership, technical expertise, and commitment to implementing this transformative reform, which benefits citizens, businesses, and financial institutions across the country.